Homemade Biscuits with Sour Cream, Chives and Parmesan

Sunny and I woke up very early this morning to prepare a festive brunch for the whole family. We made some fresh juices, smoothies, crêpes, hashbrowns and sour cream biscuits. Making biscuits is a little messy but so worth it. Our family is very fond of buttermilk biscuits, but sour cream biscuits are even more decadent and delicious. The sour cream imparts a tangy flavor and richness that is hard to beat. We flavored the biscuits with parmesan cheese and garlic chives from the garden.

I don't know if I've mentioned it, but my Aunt Elise is visiting us from Vietnam. She's never had biscuits before, and so she looked at the little rounds of bread with curiosity. After she took her first bite, she was absolutely hooked. Biscuits truly are universal in their appeal.

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup Recipe

I had 5 tortillas left-over from the burritos we made over the weekend that were going stale, so I decided to make a large pot of tortilla soup. I use the tortillas as a thickening agent in the soup, and also as a garnish on top of the dish. To the tortillas I added tomatoes and tomato paste for a little tartness, jalapeños for a little heat, and some kidney beans and soy chorizo for protein.

The spices give the soup an earthy flavor and the Cotija cheese and sour cream that I top each serving with are very soothing for the taste-buds.

Tortilla soup is a really hearty dish that's the perfect cure for the dreary weather we've been having here as of late.

Homemade Creme Fraiche Recipe

Indian Butter Chicken in Tomato Cream Sauce (Murgh Makhani Curry)

Murgh Makhani is a moist tender chicken in a pink sauce. The pink sauce is a blend of butter (mmm... butter!), heavy cream, tomato sauce, lime juice, almond flour and a few spices. The tenderizing process is similar to my soy sauce roasted cornish game hen.

Murgh Makhani is usually served with naans (Indian round fluffy bread made of white flour), basmati rice or some roti (flat Indian wheat bread).

First, I marinate the chicken overnight in a papaya and yogurt mixture. It's the best way to tenderize the meat.

Smoked Salmon on Wonton Puff with Dill Cream Cheese

Smoked salmon is a very elegant ingredient to serve. It's slightly pricey but you don't need a whole lot to prepare a nice first entree.

I paired the salmon with a dill flavored cream cheese brightened with Meyer lemon juice and a fried wonton skin to add a little Asian flair and some crunch to the dish. Persian cucumbers are another nice contrast to the velvety texture of the smoked salmon.